Page 34 of A Bridge Through Time
Cormac opened his mouth to retort, but before he could get a word out, Ashley’s eyes flashed with anger and she snapped at Cailin. "If you must know, I went for a walk—not that it'sanyof your business!"
Cormac stifled a laugh, but not before Cailin took notice of his amusement.
"You should nae be encouraging her behavior, brother," Cailin snarled.
Again, Cormac tried to speak, but Ashley didn't give him any opportunity.
"He was not encouraging anything! If I want to go for a walk, I damn well will! Cormac saw me leaving and decided I needed some company. We've been having a lovely time, sitting here on the beach watching the waves and talking."
Cormac saw the jealousy come crashing down over Cailin, like the waves hitting the shore. It was apparent Cailin could hardly contain his anger and Cormac briefly reconsidered whether taunting his brother by touching Ashley’s hair had been as good an idea as it had first seemed. Cormac braced his feet more firmly in the sand, preparing for his brother’s imminent attack.
"We're going home now," Cailin announced firmly, shooting a warning glare at Cormac as he put his arm around Ashley possessively. "Cormac, yer services are nae longer needed. I'll see that Ashley gets back home to the castle safely."
"I'll be coming back with ye then, since ‘tis my home as well." Cormac winked at Ashley, who couldn't stop her giggle. Cormac suspected she was enjoying having both men’s attention on her.
Confirming his suspicions, he watched as Ashley wriggled out of Cailin's grip and planted herself squarely between them.
"Shall we?" she queried, as she started walking without them.
The MacBayne boys both watched the gentle sway of her hips appreciatively, as she walked away. Cormac didn’t quite hide his open admiration quickly enough, and Cailin punched him on the arm, giving Cormac an angry glare. "I'll deal with you, later,” he warned, before he strode off to catch up with Ashley.
Although Cormac's arm stung from the blow, he could barely restrain his laughter as he made his way up the beach towards the bluff. No doubt, his brother was falling hard for the lass. Of that, he was positive.
***
The walk back was uncomfortable for all of them. Cailin found himself in a verbal battle with Ashley, whilst Cormac was sullenly doing his best to mind his own business. Cailin noticed Cormac’s pace dropped considerably, so he could create some distance between them and himself. Cailin could nae blame his brother – given the opportunity, he would have avoided this verbal onslaught also.
"Stop treating me like a child!" Ashley complained.
"Stop acting like a child!" Cailin retorted.
"I am not acting like one!"
"Oh, so you are one then?"
Ashley rolled her eyes. “Oh for goodness sake!”
"‘Tis for yer own good, lass. I've known ye but a short time and I've had to save you twice already, once from the man on the bridge and a second time from Sir Richard's arrows."
"I beg your pardon! I don't think I’ve asked for, or needed your help—and if I remember correctly,Isavedyouand managed to get you back home before you died from your wounds!"
"She has a point there, brother," Cormac piped up.
"Hush Cormac. Dinnae stick yer nose in where it doesnae belong or ye may find yerself without it."
Cormac immediately lapsed into silence, confirming he’d learned from experience that Cailin always meant what he said.
"I'm nae going to argue about this anymore,” Cailin growled at Ashley. “Ye will not leave the keep on yer own again. I'll nae see any harm come to ye, not while yer my responsibility."
"You can't tell me what to do," Ashley argued.
"I can and I have. You will do as yer told, or I'll lock ye in yer quarters until ye see reason."
Ashley sighed loudly, but made no further comment.
When they reached the doors to the castle, Ashley turned to Cormac. "I had a lovely time today, thank you."
Cormac gave her a courtly bow, "It was my pleasure, lass."
